Panel Okays Patio Homes For Leesburg

LEESBURG — The city's board of adjustment Thursday approved a special-exception use for a planned $2.5 million housing development on Westside Drive.

Developers Joe Godfrey Jr. and Joe Schneeberger told the city's board of adjustment they plan to build 55 patio homes on a 13-acre site at 2722 Westside Drive.

Construction of the first of two phases for the two- and three-bedroom homes will not begin for several months, Godfrey said.

He said the project, which includes private lots that average 5,000 square feet, could take two years to complete. Prices will range from $39,000 to $45,000, he said.

The plans, which already have been approved by the Leesburg Planning and Zoning Commission, also need to be approved by the city's building department. Also on Thursday, the board approved special-exception uses for construction of two triplexes at 1103 Beecher St., and for a church and church-related facilities on 39 acres on South Street.

Both requests need final approval from the building department.

The church project, which includes a 4,000-square-foot church to be built by the Leesburg First Assembly of God Church, carries a stipulation that church officials buy the property within six months.

First Assembly member William Mahan said he expects a purchase agreement to be signed Sept. 11. He said cost estimates have not been made.

The proposed complex eventually will include a retirement home, an apartment complex and a nursing home.

The city's planning and zoning board earlier denied a request to include a residential treatment center for troubled boys under the age of 18 because of possible objections from neighbors.

The request can be brought before the commission later. More details on the home would have to be provided at that time.